Combined grain thresher and separator.



PATENTED APR. 19, 1904.

F. FRBDEEN.

COMBINED GRAIN THRESHER AND SEPARATOR.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 5, 1903.

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No. 757,904. PATBNTED APR. 19, 1904.

' I. FREDEEN.

COMBINED GRAINTHRESHER AND SEPARATOR.

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APPLIOATIOgILED KAY 5, 1903.

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, WITNESSES- PATENTED APR. 19, 1904.

I. FREDEEN. COMBINED GRAIN THRESHER AND SEPARATOR.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 5, 1903.

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PATENTED Ample, 1904.

P. FREDEEN. COMBINED GRAIN THRESHER AND SEPARATOR.

APPLIOATION FILED MAY 5, 1903.

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F. PREDEEN. COMBINED GRAIN THRESHER AND SBPARATOR.

APPLICATION IILBD MAY 5, 1903.

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WITNESSES:

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No. 757,904. PATBNTED APR. 19, 1904.

P. FREDEEN. COMBINED GRAIN THRESHER AND SBPARATOR.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 5, 1903. N0 IODBL. 6 SHEETS-SHEET 6 L INVENTOH I L W/z UNrrnn STATES Patented April 19, 1904.

PATENT OFFICE.

FRANK FREDEEN, OF TAYLORS FALLS, MINNESOTA.

COMBINED GRAIN THRESHER AND SEPARATOR.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent no. 757,904, dated April 19, 1904.

Application filed May 5, 1903. Serial No. 155,735. (No model.)

To all whmn it may concern.-

Be it known that I, FRANK FREDEEN, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Taylors Falls, in the county of Chisago and State of Minnesota, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in a Combined Grain Thresher and Separator, of which the following is a specification.

My invention is an improvement in that class of threshing and separating machines in which a series of horizontal tooth-bars are connected with transverse crank-shafts in such manner that they receive the combined upand-down and forward andback movement, whereby the mingled straw and grain received from the threshing-cylinder are conveyed rearward and the grain separated from the straw in the course of its progress.

The improvements consist of certainfeatures of construction, arrangement, and combination of parts, as hereinafter described and claimed, the same being illustrated in accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a side elevation of my improved machine. Fig. 2 is a central longitudinal vertical section of the same. Fig. 3 is a vertical transverse section on the line 3 3 of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a vertical section of one of the heater and rake bars with its supporting finger or holder. Figs. 5 and 5 are views representing modifications. Fig. 6 is a sectional view illustrating a modification of a rake and beater mechanism. Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the principle fea tures of the combined beater and rake. Fig. 8 is an enlarged vertical section on the line 8 8 of Fig. 9, the same illustrating the connection of the outside rake and beater bars with the eccentrics or cranks, together with the shanks whereon the latter are mounted. Fig. 9 is a vertical cross-section on the line 9 9 of Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a detail side view illustrating attachments of the rake and beater bars for assisting in the separation of mingled straw and grain while passing over them. Fig. 11 is a cross-section on the line 11 ll of Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the arrangement of the sieves and their attachments. Fig. 13 is a plan view of one of the grainboards, provided with tapering fingers.

Referring in the first instance to Figs. 1, 2, 3. 1 indicates the casing of the machine, which is suitably mounted upon wheels in the usual way. A toothed cylinder 2 is arranged in the usual manner at the front end of the casing 1 and provided with a concave 3, having a grate distinguished by certain novel features of construction and arrangementthat is to say, the front portion of the concave is provided with a slot in which a grate-bar is arranged, and a grate 4 extends upward and rearward, as shown in Fig. 2, the same being composed of transverse parallel bars, which are convex on the upper or rear side and concave on the under or front side. These bars are arranged a suitable distance apart to allow the passage of grain freely; but the curved shape of the bars retards or hinders the passage of unthreshed heads of grain. As indicated, the grate 4 extends upward to such a height that it is in the same horizontal plane with the shaft of the threshing-cylinder 2. It thus forms an extended friction-surface over which the grain is compelled to pass. The acute angles formed by the edges of the cross-bars of the grate serve to catch the kernels and detach them from the heads in a manner which is not practicable with the old form of grate. The upward extension of the grate enables it to prevent the passage of unthreshed heads of grain directly from the cylinder into the space above the conveyer.

A rotary beater 6 is constructed and arranged in the usual manner above and between the cylinder 2 and the combined heater and rake mechanism. The construction of the lat- V ter is as follows: The main feature of the same is the arrangement of two frames or sets of frames, each of which is composed (see Figs. 3 and 7) of parallel toothed bars and connecting cross-bars. The numbers 7 and 8 indicate the side and intermediate rake and heater bars of one frame, and the numerals 7 and 8 indicate the corresponding rake and beater bars of the other frame, while the numerals 9 indicate the cross-bars which connect the side rake and beater bars 7 and the numerals 9 similarly indicate the cross-bars which connect the other side bars 7 K The cross-bars 9 close together as possible.

spective eccentrics 17 and 17 andl) are secured to the corresponding side bars 7 and 7 by means of bolts passing directly through them. The small intermediate bars 8 and 8 are supported by means of fingers or posts 10, which arepreferably constructed of iron or steel. As indicated in Fig. 4, the finger is bifurcated or forked, the two armsof the same passing up on opposite sides of the bar 8 and the upper ends of the same being suitably constructed to form a solid cylinder which is threaded to adapt it to receive a nut 11. A washer 12 is interposed between the nut and the sloping shoulders of the fork. Washers 13 are also interposed between the bar 8 and the upper and lower ends of the fork. By this means I provide not only for tightening the bar 8 when and at the same time providing for their convenient detachmentif' necessity should arise. The upper edges of the several parallel bars 7 and 8 and 7 and *8 are provided with teeth which are inclined toward the front, whereby they are adaptedtotake hold of the straw and to release it without difliculty. The several rake and heater bars7 and 7 and 8 and 8 are provided so as" towork practically as The smaller bars are about one fourth inch thick and may range from two to six inches in width. The holes formed in the cross-bars 9 and 9 to receive the fingers; 10 are preferably formed about one inch apart. As shown in Fig. 7 three cross-bars 9 connect each set of side bars 7 and support intermediate bars 8, while similar cross-bars 9 connect the side bars 7 and support the intermediate bars 8. As shown in Figs. 2 and 7, the side bars are cut out adjacent to the finger-supporting bars 9, while the corresponding side bars 7 are similarly cut out to accommodate the finger-bars 9, and

the latter are arranged adjacent to but in rear of the bars 9:

The means for supporting and operating the rake and beater bars are two parallel rotary shafts 16 and 16, which are suitably journaled in the sides of the casing 1 and each provided with two pairs of eccentrics 17 and 17 The said shafts are located on the inner sides of the front and rear finger-supporting bars'9 and 9*, and the thick side bars 7 and 7 are cut out or provided with semicircular notches in the under side to receive the re- Fig. 9, the bars 7 and 7 are secured to the eccentrics by means of Ushaped screw-bolts 18, the same passing up through the bars and being provided with screw-nuts secured to their upper ends, as shown. The shafts 16 and 16 are squared or of other preferred po- As shown in I lygonal form in cross-section. and the eccentrics are secured thereto by means of clampscrews 19, (see Fig. 8,) which are arranged in cavities or recesses provided with the eccentrics. Figs. 8 and 9 also illustrate a provision for oil supplied to the eccentrics, cups 20 being formed in the upper edges of the bars 7 and 7 and provided with screw-stoppers 21, where ducts 22 lead downward, as shown. 1

From the before described construction and arrangement of the rake and beater mechanism it will be seen that the parts 7' 8 9 constitute one portion thereof and the parts 7 8, and 9 constitute a duplicate portion and that the two are arranged so that the several bars of the one frame intermesh or are interposed between those of the other frame; further, that the rotary shafts 16 and 16, with their oppositely-projecting eccentrics, impart a practically rotary motion to the two sets of frames simultaneously, so that one rises and moves rearward, then downward and forward and upward as the other is moving in the opposite direction. In other words, the

bars 7 and 8 rise and move rearward as theb bars 7 and 8 descend and move forward. Each set of bars as it rises strikes and beats the straw, thus dislodging grain, and in this rearward movement they carrya layer or stratum of straw with them, so that the straw is practically fed rearward continuously. Owing to the great number of bars which my system permits me to employ a greater quantity of straw is moved rearward in a given space of time or toward the straw-carrier than is practicable with the ordinary arrangement heretofore employed. Further, by the arrangement of parts shown I form a more compact rake and beater mechanism than is otherwise practicable, and the shafts and their eccentrics are also arranged closer to the said bars than in other arrangements heretofore adopted. By reason of the two qualities of economy of space and the increased number of the rake and heater bars proper, whereby the straw is fed rearward more rapidly than heretofore, I am enabled to make the casing 1 of the machine smaller than heretofore that is to say, narrower and of less height. Thus a considerable economy of size, weight, and cost is effected. I

As shown in Figs. 2, 10, and 11, metal plates23 are secured by rivets or other suitable means to the sides ofthe beater-bars, the same being sloped or inclined rearward on the front upper edge and also provided with teeth on such inclined part, and being extended horizontally atthe top in rear of the incline, whereby the plates are adapted to take up mingled straw and grain, the straw being then momentarily supported by the rear or top horizontal portions of the plates while passing rearward. In brief, the plates first lift the straw and grain, then temporarily support the straw, so that the grain may be more effectively dislodged or separated from the straw.

In the operation of the rake and beater mechanism before described the greater part of the grain mingled with the straw is dislodged and falls through the spaces between the rakes onto the endless traveling conveyer 5, (see Fig. 2;) but to perfect this operation and to cause dislodgment of any grain that might be otherwise carried along with the straw I employ a supplemental overhead beater 24. The same consists (see Figs. 2 and 3) of a series of parallel slats which are attached to and supported by aprons 25, whose lower portions are slitted, so as practically to form independent strips which are separately connected with the several slats. These aprons are wound upon shafts 26, which are journaled in the sides of the casing which is contiguous to the top thereof and provided with a crank 27 and ratchet and pawl 28. All the slats are toothed or notched on their under sides in order to more effectually engage or have due friction with the straw thrown up by the rakes and heaters. It is apparent that by the construction of the overhead beater 24 it is adapted to yield or rise bodily or as a whole and that its several slats will also yield individually, so that the beater accommodates itself flexibly to the upward pressure of the straw as the latter is carried rearward by the rakes. In order that the straw may not be obstructed in entering between the overhead heater and the rakes and beaters proper, the front end of the former is preferably raised so that the beater 24 as a whole occupies an inclined position, as indicated by dotted lines. Fig. 2.

The endless traveling conveyer 5 may be constructed in the ordinary way. It is mounted upon two transverse shafts 27 27, arranged at the front and rear ends, respectively, of

7 board 28.

the casing 1. The front shaft 27 is provided with means for adjusting it to regulate the tension of the conveyer. Beneath the upper bight of the conveyer and adjacent to the rear shaft 27 is arranged a grain-board 28, which is provided with forwardly-extending fingers 28, the same being tapered, as shown in Fig. 13. Beneath the front portion of the conveyer 5 is also arranged a grain-board 29, which is similarly provided with tapered fingers 29, the latter extending rearward to near the front edge of the overhead grain- It will be seen (see Fig. 13) that by the taper of the fingers of these grainboards the space between them gradually widens from their butts to their points, which provides for the gradual downward discharge of grain as the same is passed over the fingersthat is to say, the smaller kernels will pass down first and the larger ones will pass down later, while the largest will either pass down between the ends of the fingers or over their ends, as the case may be. this means the grain is not delivered in a body or at one point, but distributed over a comparately wide area. This is particularly advantageous to the distribution of grain on thesieves 30, which are arranged in series and stepwise below the fingers 29 of the lower grain-board 29. As shown in Figs. 2 and 12, three sets of sieves are employed, the same being supported upon side cleats attached to the sides of the shoe or shaker. and the rear ends of the two upper sieves resting upon the adjacent ends of those next below and being prevented from endwise motion by abutting strips 31, secured to the two lower sieves, as indicated in Fig. 12. Rods 32 are arranged below the two front sieves, and rods 33 are arranged opposite the ends of, the front and rear sieves, respectively, and nuts 34 are applied'to their ends, (see Fig. 1,) whereby the sides of the shoe may be drawn into close contact with the sides of the'sieves, so as to hold them firmly in place. Fingers 35 (see Figs. 2 and 12) project from the two upper sieves over those next below for the purpose of aiding in dislodgment of the grain from the straw and other material passing over the sieves. A blower 36 (see Figs. 1 and 2) is arranged in the usual way at the front end of the shoe, and an eccentric on its shaft is connected by a rod with the shoe, so that the latter receives a vibratory motion, as usual in this class of machines. The shoe is supported by springs 37, (see Fig. 1,) which tend to press it rearward and upward. The grain is delivered to a screw conveyer 38, (see Fig. 2,) and the unthreshed portion is delivered to another conveyer 39, by which it is delivered into an elevator 40 and reconveyed to the threshing-cylinder in the usual manner. A grain-board 29 (see Fig. 2) extends horizontally from the blower beneath the several sieves 30, its rear end terminating at a point midway of the lowest and last sieve of the series and also midway of theinclined sieve 29. The said grain-board receives nearly all the grain that falls through the sieves, and by the blast and movement of the shoe such grain is carried along and delivered upon the sieve 29?, so that it is properly screened before passing to the conveyer 38.

A straw-carrier 41 is to be connected in the usual way with the rear end of the casing 1.

The arrangement of belts and pulleys for operating the several rotary shafts or other parts of the machine is sufliciently indicated in Fig. 1. V

The cross-bars'9 and 9 and the fingers 10, supporting the small rake-bars 8 and 8, may be constructed integrally of metal, preferably malleable cast-iron, preserving practically the same form and proportions as when constructed as shown in the drawings.

In Fig. 5 I illustrate a modification in the construction and attachment to the slats 8 and TIO 8 of the fingers employed for supporting the latter. In this case the finger is not forked,

. but provided with a shoulder adapted to engage i the finger 10 is bifurcated; but the two forks are riveted'to the bar, which is wedge-shaped inv cross section. A block provided with a tooth is arranged on-the upper side of the bar.

In Fig. 6 I illustrate a modificationof the rake andbeater mechanism. I In this case all the rake and beater'bars are attached to crossbars 9 and supported by fingers 10", as before. The cross-bars are in turn supported upon longitudinal bars 42, with which the rotary shafts and eccentrics are directly connected.

What I claim is 1. The improved rake and beater mechanism comprising two similar frames, each consisting of a series of horizontal longitudinal bars, transverse or cross bars connecting such longitudinal bars, and rotary shafts each provided with two sets of eccentrics, the respective sets being connected: with the respective frames at the outer sides of same, substantially as described.

v 2. The improved rake and beater mechanism comprising two like frames each composed of a series of horizontal longitudinal bars, cross-bars connecting the same and supporting the bars intermediate the two outer ones, two transverse rotary shafts, eccentrics mounted thereon and engaging the two outer longitudinal bars of the respective frames, the-eccentrics of-each pair being projected in opposite directions,=whereby rotary motion is 1mparted to the respective frames oppositely substantially as shown and described.

outer relatively large bars, cross-bars attached to the under side of the same and rigidly connecting them, a series ofsmaller bars arranged parallel to the first outer ones, and fingers secured to the several cross-bars andhaving shoulders and a vertical extension on the side of the bars to which they are secured, substantially as shownand described.

5. In rake and heater mechanism of the class described, the combination with longitudinal toothed bars of bifurcated fingers whose forked members extendup on both sides of the longitudinal bars to which they are secured, substantially as shown and described.

6. In rake and beater mechanism the combination with a series of longitudinal toothed bars and cross-bars arranged beneath them of a series of supports or fingers which are rigidly secured to the cross-bars and have their upper port-ions bifurcated to embrace thebars and nuts applied tothe joined ends of the fork, substantially as shown and described.

7. In rake and beater mechanism the combination with supporting cross-bars and a series of longitudinal bars of supporting fingers or posts whose upper portions are bifurcated to embrace the longitudinals bars, means for securing and clamping the upper ends of the forks and washers applied between the bars and the shoulders of the fork, substantially as shown and described.

8. In the improved rake and heater mechanism, consisting of two cooperative companion frames each frame consisting of a pair of outer longitudinal toothed bars, connecting and supporting cross-bars attached to the under side of the same said cross-bars being provided with a series of vertical holes for receiving and holding rakes and rake-holding fingers properly spaced in their proper positions, and a series of intermediate but smaller longitudinal bars arranged parallel to said outer bars, and a series of posts or fingers havingthreaded shanks which pass through the holes in the cross-bars, and nuts a'p'plied above and below the cross-bars, whereby the thinner bars are supported rigidly and adapted for vertical adjustment as described.

9. The combination, with the longitudinal toothed bars of plates secured to the sides thereof and projecting above the same, the said plates being sloped and notched on their front upper edge and extended horizontally at the top whereby they are adapted to raise the mingled straw and grain and to temporarily support the same while moving rearward onto the rakes proper, substantially as described. i

, 10. i The combination with the longitudinal toothed rake and beater bars and means for imparting vertical and endwise motion thereto of the overhead beater composed of a series of parallel slats and means for suspending the same whereby they constitute a floor but are adapted for individual movementvertically, substantially as shown anddescribed.

11. The combination with the longitudinal toothed bars and means for imparting a verveyer and parallel thereto, substantially as shown and described.

14:. The combination, with a series of sieves arranged stepwise as described, of a grainboard arranged in a higher plane and provided with tapered fingers which extend over the series of sieves, substantially as described.

FRANK FREDEEN.

WVitnesses:

SoLoN (J. KEMoN, AMos W. HART. 

